EVERGREENE
Reverend Elizabeth Greene
Rev. Greene is on summer break. She will return to the pulpit in September and her column will resume in September's issue.
President's Message
Dale Winke, Board President
Well, August is upon us and summer is already a two-thirds over. It is amazing how quickly time does fly. Have you been to the Fellowship this summer? The Landscape Committee crew has the grounds looking absolutely beautiful. Warren Bean, our stalwart building steward, Barry Hope who manages our custodial services, David Clopton and Gary Wyke of the Maintenance Committee, and Erin Logan and Nancy Harms of the Interiors Committee have also been working hard and committing much time and effort to keep the Fellowship building in great and welcoming condition. We should be proud and thankful for everything these committed individuals have done and continue to do!
Meanwhile, the Finance Committee and the Board, along with most if not all of our committees and staff, managed to come to agreement on a relatively balanced budget. Our now former Treasurer Jim Geddings provided excellent guidance in this effort. Please take note though, even though this is "good news", it is not. Our program budgets and discretionary spending were generally cut by 50% or more. Staff salaries were frozen at 2008 levels, which in real terms, with no COLA (Cost Of Living Adjustment) amounts to a cut, the FACT that most of our staff compensation falls below UUA guidelines does not help either. On top of all that happy news, the cost of our debt service continues to grow as a part of our budget to a level that is becoming unhealthy. Our 2008-09 budget appears that it will end $30-$45,000 in the red, and as a Congregation, almost 25% of our membership are non-pledging for 2009-10, and volunteer help seems to be ever more difficult to find.
Given the circumstances in the wider world, it is clear that we too are a community experiencing significant levels of distress. This makes it all the more important that we work together with respect and sensitivity—not to a point of paralysis, but with a clear understanding that we must really be our brothers keeper and be ready to help out when help is needed. I said last month, Leadership can only do so much, and it is time for all of us who are indeed able to step up.
This Fall and forward will be critical. At the end of September we will be holding a Congregation Meeting for final approval of the annual operating budget. Prior to that, the Board has planned for a couple of town hall style meetings where we want YOU to provide input on budget agenda items of importance—feedback and input are essential! In October, we (the Congregation) will be holding a Symposium on "Living Community"; again, wide participation is essential! And lastly, later in the year, we will once again focus on our Annual Budget Drive Campaign, and with it, a Capital Campaign to pay down, and perhaps pay off, our capital debt.
We have challenges before us, but then again, when haven't we? Together, as in the past, we will meet them head on, and we will come out on top—and we will emerge better and stronger, ready to face the next!
So say we all!
New UU Class Offered Again Soon...
Would you like to learn more about Unitarian Universalism? Are you thinking about becoming a member of BUUF? Then the New UU class is for you! This class will offer you the opportunity to meet other newcomers, church leaders, and members. It will provide you with some history, and give you a glimpse into the inner workings of the Unitarian Universalist Association and of BUUF in particular. It will also reveal the many ways you might become involved in the life of this community.
The New UU is the first step toward membership required in the Path to Membership approved by the board. But, even if you don't plan to join right away, the class is fun and informative.
This time around, the class will be offered on Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 9:00 am until about 3:30 pm. We'll have a potluck lunch, so bring something to share. To sign up or get more information please contact Membership chair, Jay Wechselberger, at 871-3765 or .
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
Wanderings From Our Wondrous Wings
Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)
This summer has been filled with wanderings, wackiness and wonders! My summer started with our pilgrimage to Boston with the amazing Bounders. The memories of that magical time will be with me and sustain me for years to come. There's something transformational about watching young people in a completely "foreign" environment find their way and bloom before your eyes as they discover their own and each others' strengths and gifts. My heart is filled with gratitude and love for the youth and adults that shared that time with me and I look forward to spending more time and growing along with those fellow travelers in the future.
As if the Boston pilgrimage wasn't enough to fill my soul and charge my batteries and reaffirm life in all its wackiness and wonder, I was able to go to our Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly in Salt Lake City in late June. Connecting with my fellow religious educators and explorers from around the country and continent was a gift beyond measure and a glimpse into what is possible for our religious exploration program here at the Boise UU Fellowship. Just being with thousands of fellow UUs in one place is indescribable. The love and energy or our faith community here in Boise and out in the world is an engine for healing what is broken and creating what is possible.
I'm so very grateful that we are all on this journey together.
Come One! Come All!
Family Fun & Forward Ho For Your Religious Exploration Future!
Emmie Schlobohm, DRE
Join your fellow families for a festival of fun on our fabulous grounds! On Saturday, August 8, families of all ages will gather together for a morning filled with fun and fellowship! Our beloved grounds are a place where community is built and friendships are forged. We will play and learn together in the morning, share a tasty lunch, and then, for those who are so inclined, join together with RE folks in the afternoon to dream, brainstorm, and develop plans for transforming our RE program! Childcare will be provided for the afternoon session. For more information, please contact Emmie Schlobohm at 658-1710 or .
Register Your Children for Religious Exploration Classes
Emmie Schlobohm, DRE
As you prepare for back to school and back to BUUF, please take time to register your children for Religious Exploration (RE). Please return one form per family, including nursery-aged children. If you registered your children for RE last year you will automatically receive a registration form in the mail. Additional forms will be available in the BUUF information rack in the north vestibule or on the BUUF website. Thank you for your quick response. This vital information will allow us to make plans to accommodate all our children and youth. Scholarships are available so do not let the registration fees keep you from registering your children! Registration allows us to contact you and your children about events at BUUF, special classroom activities and helps us to know your children.
Fall Religious Exploration Classes Are Just Around the Corner
Emmie Schlobohm, DRE
The first day of the 2009-2010 program year and of our young people's religious education program will be Sunday, September 13. Big ideas and lots of planning are blooming and growing! Bring the whole family and experience the excitement and be a part of all the fun! Religious exploration classes for children preschool age through grade 6 will be offered again this year at both the 9:00 and 11:00 services. Programming for Junior and Senior High youth will be offered at 11:00.
Young People's Religious Education and You
Emmie Schlobohm, DRE
Religious Exploration (RE) for children and youth at BUUF is essentially a collaborative and cooperative exercise in transformation! We rely upon the generosity and creativity of parents, grandparents and congregational members to guide or teach classes, advise youth groups, provide nursery care and assist in the classrooms. As your Director of Religious Exploration, I provide support, training, lessons, program materials, and whatever is needed to make RE fun and fulfilling. Please consider how you might share your talents with us. Applications are being accepted for those who would like to work with our RE program as classroom teachers or guides or youth advisors. Please contact Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration, if you would like to be a part of this adventure.
COMMITTEES
Fundraising News
Claudia Fernsworth, Team Leader
What can you do to help with fundraising?
Join the team—we need a new member. Call me if you are interested: 853-1526.
- Gather items for our November 1–15 Christmas Shopping On Line and Silent Auction
- Mark your calendar for our other events:
- Ordering you poinsettias in September
- Partner Church Fesztival Saturday September 19
- Sorting poinsettias Saturday December 5
- Live and Silent Auction Saturday February 6
- Chocolate Dessert Extravaganza Saturday April 17
- Sign up to help with our events
Worship Committee News
The Worship Committee invites you, and you, and you to be a speaker at a Sunday Service. You pick the month. You choose a topic. It needs to be spiritual and something that will touch our hearts. It could be the story of your spiritual journey, the story of your life, or another spiritual story that you can tell in 20 minutes. You could even join with someone else to present your ideas together. We will help you choose readings and hymns.
The Worship Committee has a retreat on Wednesday, August 12 at which time we will be setting our calendar for the coming year. We need to hear from you before then so we can help you find a Sunday to present. Please contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .
New Audio Visual Equipment
BUUF Fundraising/Auction committee, Bill Reid
BUUF has some new AV equipment thanks to the many bidders who supported the special appeal at our last BUUF Auction. We have purchased a digital projector and screen; and a laptop computer with PowerPoint software, DVD player, and audio processing software for our in-house BUUF audio recordings. The special appeal has also funded most of the cost of the new CD/MP3 player that has replaced our old CD player that suffered mechanical failure this spring.
Storage, usage, and scheduling policies have not yet been established for this equipment. In the interim, if your group or committee wants to show a movie, or do a Power Point presentation, please contact the BUUF office or Bill Reid and we'll arrange to make the equipment available for your BUUF use.
Thanks again for the generous support that made these acquisitions possible.
HELP WANTED: Ride Coordinator
Would you like to do something for BUUF which you could do entirely at home? Congregational Care Team has such a privilege waiting for a cheerful volunteer.
Buses do not run on Sundays, so a few of our people cannot come to our services unless someone brings them. So we are looking for someone in the Fellowship to direct a much appreciated program for some of our members and friends. The coordinator would make sure that, each Sunday, those who need a ride will have a ride. Can you see yourself as such a coordinator? The first Sunday to plan for would be September 6.
If so, please contact Charlotte Tompkins at 322-2467 or .
HELP WANTED: Greeter Coordinator
You may have noticed that someone greets you and hands you an order of service each Sunday morning, regardless of which door you come in. We need YOU to be the Greeter Coordinator. Lots of folks want to be greeters. Your job will be to contact these folks and get them scheduled for each Sunday. Please help! To apply, contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .
The Worship Committee Needs YOU!
Making our worship services meaningful may be the most important task for volunteers at the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Now you can be a part of making that happen! The Worship Committee needs YOU! Please join us!
Together we plan and coordinate the Sunday Worship Services. It's a little like producing a play, making sure that all the parts come together, and enjoying the feeling that you made it happen.
Come to our retreat on Wednesday, August 12 at 9:00 AM and help us plan the year.
We meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00.
Contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .
SOCIAL ACTION
Its Own Kind of Community
Rick Groff
I volunteer at Interfaith Sanctuary, the homeless shelter in down town Boise. I've often been asked why. Of all the charities in need, why pick this one. It's not a question for which I have an easy answer. Why do I and others from BUUF choose to work with the addicted, the mentally disabled, the unwashed, and the unwilling? Each person has their own response, but I finally figured out mine: community. In this building from 6pm until 7am the homeless have created a community. In all the ways we determine success they have failed, but here they are accepted by each other and by the staff for what they are at this moment: not yesterday and not tomorrow, just right now.
The community at Sanctuary is strong. Their friends are their world and their only true riches. The residents rely on each other and Sanctuary for just a little kindness and perhaps forgiveness for the choices they've made that haven't always had the result they wanted. When I volunteer I can do that and without knowing it, they return the favor.
The Sanctuary volunteers want you to have a chance to get to know some of the folks from Sanctuary. In the next year, you will be able to read our series of articles "Voices from the Shelter" in the newsletter. If you find yourself interested in meeting some of our friends at the shelter, please contact Rick Groff or Nancy Rice about volunteering,
Voices from the Shelter: Experiences of volunteers at Interfaith Sanctuary
Nancy Rice
It was about 10pm at Interfaith Sanctuary. Most of the folks were in their bunks for the night and the courtyard was quiet. The phone rang and it was Joe explaining that his friend George had too much to drink and was having difficulty walking so they'd be late. The rule at Sanctuary is, if you arrive after 9 twice without permission, you can't stay the night. That evening I had already sent one man packing.
Thirty minutes later, into the gated courtyard walked Joe and George, arms entwined and grinning. George basically collapsed onto the bench as Joe pulled out two cigarettes to share. As they smoked, I reminded them about the 9 PM policy and that they only had one warning left. Both men have lived a hard life and it shows on their lined faces and bony frames. Booze, tobacco, and bad luck have been too frequent companions. George gave me a wink while he squeezed my hand and thanked me for letting them stay. Joe then led George into the Observation Room, where folks in George's condition sleep.
The story goes that if not for his friend Joe, George would have been dead long ago. Each evening Joe checks to make sure George arrives before Joe falls asleep. If George isn't there, Joe heads out into the night to bring his friend home.
Habitat for Humanity Build in October
Everyone at BUUF should be proud that we have received Certification from the Unitarian Universalist Association for our congregation's work in creating a Green Sanctuary here at BUUF. One of our larger projects was helping the Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity in building their first "green" house. With our continued help they will be "thinking green" in all of their new homes.
Thanks to your generosity, BUUF donated $1000 to the Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity as our April Outreach. If you would like to contribute your time and effort as well, we will need 10 people to help build a home on Saturday, October 10, and again on Saturday, October 17. No experience is necessary. We will also need someone to provide lunch for 25 people (our own volunteers and others) on both dates.
To reserve your space please contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .
ReStore sells new and used residential home improvement materials for that summer do-it-yourself project at prices up to 50% below retail. All proceeds support Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity in building affordable housing in Ada County. ReStore is located at Five Mile and Overland. Volunteers are needed to help in the store, and the store accepts donations of new and used building and home improvement materials that are clean and in working condition. Call ReStore at 375-5256.
If you live in the far end of the valley, the Canyon County Habitat for Humanity office, along with its ReStore, is located at 5214 E. Cleveland Blvd., Suite C, in Caldwell, phone 459-1758.
BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Humanists, Packing It In
Jeanette Ross
I'm having fun with you. Of course we aren't quitting. We've barely started. If you read the front page you see that our group is presenting the service on the 16 of the month. Our theme: "Humanism, Unpacked." We will spend part of our August meeting reviewing details, running through our packing list, as it were. The rest of our brief hour we will consider the upcoming year's programs.
Join us in the library at 11am, August 9. Any questions, contact Rick Groff or Jeanette Ross.
All BUUF Symposium: Living Community
Sat., Oct. 3, 2009 9am-4pm
Featuring Rev. Elizabeth Greene, BUUF Lay Leaders, and interested Members and Friends (newcomers welcomed!)
8:30 Registration
9:00-12:00 Awakening Spirit:
Experience a variety of spiritual practices and interactive exercises
that encourage personal insight and transformation, followed by a light
lunch
12:30-4:00 Spirit in Action
Human consciousness is powerful and evolving. After viewing Barbara Marx
Hubbard's video "Humanity Ascending—Conscious Evolution and a
Vision for the Future," explore how to translate your deepest spiritual
and life values into a more meaningful life.
Admission: Free with donation
Children's Camp (Beyond "Babysitting") and a Teen Track
Watch for registration details in the Order of Service
Followed by:
Sunday, October 4 "Fall Into Community" (Social and Activity Fair) featuring information and opportunities on how YOU may get more involved in our "Living Community!"
For more information, contact Sue Philley 340-9450 (email ) or other planning team members including Janet Wyke, Miriam Woito, Judy Frederick, Matthew Sabin, Jay Wechselberger, Coston Frederick, Patricia Heeb, Nikki Marquez, Sheryl Dowlin, Mitchel Bethel, Claudia Fernsworth, Marilyn Roan, Emmie Schlobaum, and Louise Jacobsen.
A Picture of You
We need a picture of you! We would like to create a centerpiece for the October 3 Living Community Symposium. Please drop off a 4" by 6" copy of your favorite picture of you (could be 20 years ago) with your full name on the back in the marked box in the church office. These will not be returned. Or send a .jpg to by Sept. 20 please.
Remember the Coffeehouse Beat?
It's time to relive it at BUUF!
Saturday, August 8, 7-9pm, North Wing
Borrowing a great idea from the church in Vancouver, here's a midsummer opportunity for members and friends to share their talents in a popular "potpourri" format of entertainment, and for listeners to enjoy an intimate evening of music, poetry, dance, comedy, or storytelling. If you'd like a 2 to 7 minute slot in the line-up, please contact Nancy Harms at either or 658-1710, or 375-5066.
Listeners, mark your calendars now and plan to bring friends along with a yummy delight and delectable to share at intermission. So we'll see you where you can cool it and get with the bits and hip with the illuminations. You'll be on cloud 9 and get real gone on the cats that'll perform. And if you get to cookin' you're welcome to like get crazy man and lay on fat city with your own beats. The only bread you'll need is donation. So don't be a cube, make the scene! Turtlenecks, bongos, and berets optional.
Sage Garden Party
Tom von Alten
BUUF's Senior Sages move out of our regular venue for our first meeting this month, for our once-a-year, agenda-free potluck. Chuck and Dorothy Hansen are our hosts once again, at 2415 N. Eldorado (near Cole and Northview). We'll gather at 9am or so (Thursday, Aug. 13), while there's still some pleasant morning shade. Call Tom von Alten (378-1217) or the Hansens (375-5697) for more information.
On Thursday August 27, we're back at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way) at our regular 9:30am time for a no-host breakfast, and a presentation from Sara Young of the Idaho Community Action Network (ICAN), describing the Congressional proposals for health care reform and their implications. You're welcome to join us for a little camaraderie, and joie de vivre, regardless of your age or sagacity.
New Bike Racks
Come Celebrate YOUR Achievement of Making Bike Racks for BUUF a Reality
It's true, BUUF now has bike racks for your Biking-to-BUUF pleasure! All of the jewelry, calendars and Mothers Day Tea ticket sales have made it possible to get those long-anticipated and much needed bike racks. August 30 will indeed be a day to celebrate, so there will be the requisite merrymaking, speeches, and a parade around our buildings. More details will follow in the Sunday service bulletins, so read every sentence carefully so no one will miss out on the finer points of the planned festivities. (Another Ultimate Event brought to you by the Landscape Committee)
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East
A BUUF chapter of the Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) is forming, with the goal of "working for a peaceful and just resolution of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, including a settlement affirming the equality, dignity, freedom and security of all peoples involved" and to educate ourselves and the community. See www.uujme.org for information. If you are interested in participating, contact Debbie Espen at with UUJME in the subject line.
Dedicate a Hymnal
You may notice that some of our hymnals are dedicated. If you would like to purchase a hymnal in honor of someone you may dedicate it to them. The grey hardback Singing the Living Tradition is $28 while the turquoise paperback Singing the Journey is $18. Make your check to BUUF, fill out a hymnal purchase form (last page of the printer-formatted newsletter) and give both to our Office Manager, Gerry Morris.
As we have more people in our worship services, we need more hymnals. Your purchase of a hymnal will be greatly appreciated.
Happy 90th Birthday, Al Fridenstine!
For 90 years Al's been around,
Kept both feet upon the ground,
Arrived at BUUF for friends and learning,
We will try to fulfill his yearnings.
Mary Rouhier Turns 80
In the choir Mary sweetly sings,
Joy and love to all she brings,
Of her children and (great!) grandchildren she is proud,
We say HAPPY BIRTHDAY right out loud!
Wanda Jennings, July, 2009
Partner Church News
Gwyn Reid
Many UUs have heard of the Edict of Torda, proclaimed in January, 1568 by Unitarian King John Sigismund of Transylvania: "In every place preachers shall preach and explain the Gospel each according to his understanding of it, and if the congregation like it, well; if not, no one shall compel them, for their souls would not be satisfied, but they shall be permitted to keep a preacher whose teaching they approve.
Therefore none of the superintendents or others shall abuse the preachers, no one shall be reviled for his religion by anyone. "And it is not permitted that anyone should threaten anyone else by imprisonment or by removal from his post for his teaching. For faith is a gift of God."
But at the last partner church meeting, Charlotte Tompkins expanded on the conditions that existed when the edict was issued: It was common for individuals and priests or ministers to be killed or tortured for expressing beliefs that differed from the norm of the governing community.
It is good to be reminded from time to time about the incredible heritage of our sister congregation. Our 18 year partnership has existed in a time of relative calm and prosperity for the Unitarian Church in Transylvania, but less than a quarter century ago, the conditions were barely tolerable for the Unitarian/Hungarian minority. We owe them much for their adherence to the precepts of tolerance in spite of these conditions.
Now we have much to celebrate:
- Rev. Robert Balint and his family will be coming to the U.S. this fall. Robert will be the Balazs Ferenc scholar at Starr King in Berkeley. We look forward to as many visits to Boise as possible and hope you will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get to know him.
- A Boise trip to Mészkõ is being planned for next summer. So far, three travelers are confirmed. If you would like to know more about the plans, or would like to go too, please contact Cynthia Alleman or Mary Schwartzman.
- Plans for Fesztival are underway.
To learn more about these and other developments, please come to our next Partner Church meeting, Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 6:00 pm at BUUF.
A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
An Update from the Bridge Event Center
To Our Dear BUUF,
The Bridge Event Center (BEC) has been busy coordinating a record number of events AND changing horses in midstream... metaphorically speaking of course!
Announcing Two New BEC Event Coordinators
Eileen Geddings, our excellent BEC Event Coordinator, left mid June for a new full time job. Thank you Eileen for your many contributions to BEC! We are thrilled to announce the hiring of two exciting new people to "job-share" the BEC Event Coordinator position: Beverly Harley & Jeanie Scepka. Beverly will be working mainly with groups using our facilities from outside BUUF. Jeanie's focus will be to help Gerry, Nancy and BUUF volunteers coordinate their BUUF related activities. There will of course be a lot of "tossing balls back and forth" when needed. Because this is a new developing work model, Bev and Jeanie welcome your feedback along the way.
Request for an expanded Bridge Event Center role
The original mission of BEC from its conception Feb.04 to its birth
May,'07, was to research and design a marketing arm for BUUF to
outside groups. The money earned goes into BUUF's general fund.
This last fiscal year BEC made approximately $4,000 from outside sources
for our beloved Fellowship. In addition he number of events are growing
by leaps and bounds due to some exciting new marketing methods.
If you haven't visited the BEC web site lately go to www.bridgeeventcenter.com and see why. Once folks see this beautiful site they love it.....but it is the trained staff that keep them coming back. BUUF's internal activities are also growing in number and complexity. As a mid-sized church with growing pains, BUUF's infrastructure (secretarial, custodial, building steward, budget etc.) is maxed. In April '08 Gerry requested additional help from BEC with approval from Sue Philley, president, and Elton Hall, from the Personnel Committee.
To synchronicity,
Your Bridge Event Center Committee
Look for more great information from BEC next month!
PNWD & UUA
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) General Assembly (GA)
Salt Lake City, June 2009
With our hearts in a holy place, Unitarian Universalists from across the country and beyond met to worship, conduct business, and educate ourselves at the General Assembly (GA). Peter Morales was elected as our new UUA President and BUUF was awarded Green Sanctuary Certification. Some of the sessions were recorded and can be found in streaming video at uua.org. Come hear the delegates speak about their GA experiences at a BUUF Sunday service on August 30.
Actions of Immediate Witness from GA
Over 3000 Unitarian Universalists came together in June for the UUA's Annual General Assembly in Salt Lake City with the theme of Standing on the Side of Love. Delegates representing Unitarian Universalist congregations, including BUUF, adopted the following Actions of Immediate Witness:
- Oppose Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity-Based Violence in Iraq
- U.S.-Sponsored Torture: A Call for a Commission of Inquiry
- Support Bolivian UUs Struggling for Justice and Human Rights
- In Support of America's Red Rock Wilderness Act
- U.S. Ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)
- Advocate Pending Legislation Toward Clean, Honest, and Fair Elections in the United States
You are urged to find out more about each of these and to become informed, write letters, take action, raise awareness, and contact your congress people about these important issues.
